Nehawu workers wants safety guaranteed before returning to work

The Parliament fire has turned into a labour issue as National Education, Health, and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) members started protesting because of safety concerns when returning back to work.

The employees gathered on Monday outside of Parliament to voice their concerns. The union members are requesting written agreements guaranteeing their safety when they return back to work.

Parliament’s management has told members of parliament that it had implemented and signed off on governance documents and is currently working on an action plan to ensure the precinct adheres to safety protocols.

Parliament’s Nehawu branch secretary Temba Gubula has reiterated that members would not be reporting for duty if they have not received written safety guarantee.

Parliament said that health and safety awareness training for staff members have been conducted and that the development of safe work procedures were ongoing.

They have also confirmed that the fire drill was done with the NCOP before the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Danielle Mentoor